IT IS an ill wind that blew Peter Ramage some good at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

When Damion Stewart was taken off with a fractured skull three seconds into the 2-0 win, it required the Geordie defender to switch from right-back to Stewart’s central role, where he had an outstanding game alongside Kaspars Gorkss .

Ramage admitted he’s been waiting his chance.

“To be honest we’ve got good centre-halves here,” he said. “ Matt Connolly , Kaspars and Damo have been outstanding – but I thought I did well, and that’s the position I think I’m best at.

“Cardiff are coming to us on Saturday looking to consolidate their position in the play-offs, so it’s not going to be easy, but we want to make sure we’re mathematically certain of avoiding the drop.”